Breadcrumbs

PCA Workforce Council Brochure

What is the PCA Workforce Council?

The PCA Quality Home Care Workforce Council was created to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to find and hire PCAs under the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant program. The Council was created by state law: M.G.L C 118G Sec. 28-33.

Who are the members of the PCA Workforce Council?

A majority of the Council's nine members are PCA consumers. A current membership list is available online at www.mass.gov/pca in the About the Council section.

What are the PCA Workforce Council's main duties?

The PCA Workforce Council was established to:

create a PCA registry, or referral directory, that will list people interested in working as PCAs;

recruit new PCAs to work;

bargain with the union, representing PCAs, on wages and benefits for PCAs; and

help inform consumers and PCAs about opportunities for PCAs to receive additional training.

Does the PCA Workforce Council employ PCAs?

No. Consumers remain as employers of PCAs. Consumers continue to have the right to select, hire, schedule, train, direct, supervise, and terminate PCAs. The Council is a designated employer only for the purpose of negotiations with the PCA union.

What is included in the PCA registry, and is it available yet?

The registry, now known as the PCA referral directory is now operating and located at www.mass.gov/findpca . Consumers can use the registry to search for potential PCAs who might meet their needs. PCAs are now able to use the registry to let consumers know that they are available to work. Consumers will continue to be responsible for hiring and all other employer responsibilities, including interviewing and reference checks. For more information on the directory, please go to our website www.mass.gov/pca and click on "Directory".

Will consumers have to use the registry?

No. Consumers will be able to use the PCA registry if they want. Consumers will also be able to continue to recruit and hire PCAs on their own without using the PCA registry.

Will all PCAs who are currently working be included in the PCA registry?

Not necessarily. PCAs will be included in the PCA registry only if they choose to register.

How do I get more information about the PCA Workforce Council?

To learn about the Council and its current activities, visit the Web site at www.mass.gov/pca. The Council meeting schedule is posted on the site. Meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. In the near future, the Council will create opportunities for consumers, PCAs, and other interested parties to share comments and suggestions with the Council. Youcan also send comments to the Council at: PCA Workforce Council, 600 Washington Street, Room 5189, Boston, MA 02111, or e-mail the Council at pcacouncil@state.ma.us.

The Personal Care Attendant (PCA)Commonwealth of MassachusettsExecutive Office of Health and Human ServicesPCA Workforce Council